I established Raw Edge Photography to capture and share breathtaking moments inspired by our natural surroundings, I hope you enjoy my photography.

–Kian Bates–

Browse our galleries:

Tonga Trip 2026

Join us for a once in a lifetime Humpback whale experience.

Testimonials from previous guests.

Hi Kian,

*Now you’re home from Tonga I wanted to say the biggest thank you for having me on your trip this year. Trying to describe the experience to my family and friends has been so hard - because of how awesome it was!!

My expectations of the trip were completely exceeded - being in the water with the whales was magic. 

Thanks again for organising such an incredible experience.  

Thanks again! 

Grace 

*My husband and I have just arrived back from our time in Tonga swimming with the humpback whales , words cannot describe our experience 

It was truly a moving and incredible holiday, these magnificent animals touched our hearts 

Thank you Kian for making our time in Tonga so special , it exceeded our expectations!

Pat and Ange Cohen 

*Awesome trip. Gives me goose bumps thinking about it now. The encounters with these majestic creatures was unreal. We had four amazing days in n out of the water observing and interacting with whales of all sizes - from new borns to the big boys. Tonga was the perfect location with its warm crystal clear waters and protected islands. Kian and our two whale guides were both knowledgeable and skilled in helping us get the most out of our experience plus we now have a magical photographic record to relive the experience  - I highly recommend Kian’s tours. Sandii Chan, August 2023 trip. 

*Just returned from an amazing 9 day trip with kian and his team swimming with humpback whales.
The interactions with the humpbacks and their calf’s was incredible.
Also to hear the males singing was a sound a won’t forget.
Definitely a bucket list and memories will last a lifetime.
Great organising Kian
Cheers
Michelle Hawes

*This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I can’t recommend highly enough. Swimming with the whales in Tonga is a magical and life changing experience and reminder of why it’s important to protect our oceans and marine life. Kian is a great guide who does everything he can to ensure you have a good experience. His photographs speak for themselves and mean that you can enjoy every encounter knowing that someone is there to capture the moment. This is our second time booking with Kian and we have every intention to book again.

Jane and Ben “

*Thanks for all you did to get us there, it was great to get to know you more. We had the best holiday ever. Really loved it, Thanks again.

Judy

Having just returned home from one of the most powerful experiences in my life I will be reliving my magical moments with the whales for a long time to come. The whole trip was perfect, and by far exceeded my expectations (I’m not actually sure what I thought it would be like!), with everyday having new learning and exposure moments. The absolute icing on the cake was to swim with the white humpback calf, in the crystal waters with the best support team anyone could ask for.
Thank you does not seem enough, what a time of my life, I will treasure this trip long into the future that’s for sure.
Highly recommend ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Sandy Lucas

Property photo’s:

Visit our gallery at Boomerang Beach

Our gallery space at Boomerang Beach showcases our best photography, available framed and ready to take home.

Message us on Facebook or via our contact page to arrange a private gallery viewing.